Prediction proves true for pain-free Djokovic

Aug 30, 2008 - 2:19 AM By Ralph Ventre PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Novak Djokovic said two days would be enough, and his second-round showing on Friday afternoon proved he was right.

Exactly two days after injuring his left ankle late in the final set of his first-round victory, the tournament's No. 3 seed gave no indication of discomfort in advancing past American qualifier Robert Kendrick at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Djokovic's display of speed and quickness Friday dazzled his opponent and suggested that his prior injury was nothing more than a harmless scare.

"I was surprised how fast he was," Kendrick said of the 21-year-old Serb. "I hit a couple of shots that he got to, and I was kind of in shock."

Moving well throughout the match, Djokovic did not experience any pain in the questionable area.

"I think it's already history," he said of the ankle ailment. "I didn't feel any discomfort today on the movements, especially the quick ones."

Still, Djokovic played it safe by having his ankle taped for his latest victory but said that won't be necessary next time.

"I wish it doesn't come back. For the cautiousness, maybe I had to do that (have his ankle taped), but I didn't feel anything," Djokovic said after he moved into the third round here for the fourth straight year.

"I decided with my doctor that there is no need to tape my ankle now."

Djokovic initially encountered the scare in the fourth game of the third set on Wednesday. Momentarily silencing an enthusiastic Ashe Stadium crowd, the world's third-ranked player hyperextended his left ankle while planting for a forehand attempt. The ensuing pain forced Djokovic to the sideline where medical personnel treated and taped his ankle.

After he easily completed the victory in straight sets, the triumphant Djokovic wasn't overly concerned about his health.

"It's going to be good in two days I'm sure," Djokovic said.

On Friday, he showed Kendrick that his prediction was as good as his game.